El Centro council approves ordinance restricting multi‑axle trucks on sections of Wake Avenue

The El Centro City Council on Oct. 21 approved an ordinance limiting large commercial vehicles on portions of Wake Avenue and nearby streets, citing resident complaints about heavy truck traffic since the Imperial Avenue extension opened.

Abraham Campos, public works director, presented the staff report and a map of the proposed changes, saying the amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 17, Section 60 would allow signage prohibiting trucks with three or more axles on specified segments. He told the council the restriction targets through‑traffic while allowing necessary access for deliveries and exempting emergency and utility vehicles.

Campos said the posted prohibitions would apply to: Wake Avenue between LaBrucebury Avenue and Imperial Avenue; Wake Avenue between Cypress Street and H Street; and a segment involving Bradshaw and Wake Avenue. He explained that a gap through a current vacant lot would remain open to allow servicing of businesses that need truck access.

The proposed text uses axle count as the metric: vehicles with two axles are allowed; vehicles with three or more axles would be prohibited on the posted segments except for exempted vehicle classes. Campos said the exceptions include emergency vehicles, buses, refuse collection trucks, and vehicles that must access businesses along the route.

After public hearing procedures were closed with no public speakers, the council moved and seconded approval of the ordinance. The motion passed 4‑0.

Council members said the change responds to repeated resident complaints about large rigs using residential streets as shortcuts to truck stops and that the ordinance will help enforcement by clarifying where trucks are prohibited.

The city will proceed with signage and implementation steps following ordinance adoption.